The digital age has taken another step forward at the city of Tallahassee's Growth Management Department, where contractors now can apply for commercial building permits online.

The paperless process, available at cityprojects.talgov.net, is for any commercial project valued at more than $25,000, according to the department.

Digital permits are the most recent addition to City Projects, which the department established to enhance service to the public. City Projects is an online application submittal and review system that officials say will make the permit process more efficient for customers.

"When we talk with customers, they are quick to let us know that time is money," said Growth Management Director Karen Jumonville. "With this new system, applicants can upload building permit plans from the convenience of their offices and track the progress of the review electronically. That not only saves them money, but means new developments can occur more quickly in our community, which is good for our economy and the job market."

City staff members have been offering training sessions on the permit process, and additional instruction is available through the use of online videos at www.talgov.com/growth/growth-comm-bldg-permit.aspx.

The digital permit process also includes the ability for an applicant to use digital signatures in verifying the authenticity of a document, and a live chat feature at the Growth Management page on Talgov.com from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.